Company Profile

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

At Abt Associates, we are committed to creating a lasting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that in order to achieve full participation, our practices must be free of prejudice, discrimination, and bias that result in inequitable outcomes. We are actively working to advance equity for everyone, and while we still have much work to do, we know that racial and cultural diversity are an asset to our business and the communities where we live and serve. Our ongoing commitment is focused on creating business practices that advance racial and social equity, investments in community impact programs for the benefit of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and expand upon project work related to racial equity and social justice.

Job Description

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment and energy do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. 

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize your personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Feed the Future Resilience in Northern Ghana Systems Strengthening will strengthen service delivery systems to attain measurable improvements in the nutrition and resilience of vulnerable populations in northern Ghana, particularly for reproductive-aged women and children under five years old. The activity will work to achieve three main objectives: 1) Local governments plan, finance, and deliver services that respond to the population’s needs, 2) Local government, non-governmental, and private entities collectively implement solutions to attain measurable improvements in nutrition and resilience, and 3) Citizens influence local service delivery to respond to their needs.

Over five years, across 17 districts in the Northern, Upper West, North East, and Upper East regions of Northern Ghana, Feed the Future Resilience in Northern Ghana Systems Strengthening will improve the nutritional status and resilience of vulnerable populations through the health; agriculture; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and education sectors by enhancing local governance systems, optimizing resources to catalyze greater access to social services, and transforming the capacities of institutions to scale service delivery. The Activity includes a grant program that will catalyze investment, expand sustainable multisectoral nutrition and resilience programming, and mobilize communities to demand quality services and participate in local planning processes in northern Ghana.

Resilience in Northern Ghana System Strengthening activity seeks to strengthen service delivery systems to attain measurable improvements in the nutrition and resilience of vulnerable populations in northern Ghana, particularly for women in their reproductive ages and children under five years.  Two (2) MEL Specialists are required for the project offices as, one (1) each to be designated in Wa in Upper West, and Bolgatanga in the Upper East Regional offices respectively.

Core Responsibilities

• Management and Coordination of all project MEL-related programs and Activities in the regions, 
• Assist partner CSOs/Grantees in developing mechanisms for promoting Citizen-based Monitoring and Evaluation of interventions in the region,
• Continuous monitoring including data collection,
• Carry out Joint Periodic Field Monitoring Visits to verify Project implementation, 
• Work with grantees, CSOs, and Communities in the region to collect data on project performance indicators,
• Regularly record, enter, and upload data into the project database.
• Carry out Periodic Compilation, Synthesis, and Analysis of Regional Level Data.
• Prepare Periodic Reports on findings of field visits with Geo-Tagged GPS Locations in Standardized. 
• Work as a regional focal person and support districts and community-level CSOs including women-led platforms in collecting, tracking, and reporting district Level Monitoring Data;
• Provide Lead in the implementation of the three-pronged M & E Strategy, which includes (a) Measuring of Impact and Outcomes of the Project (b) CSO Monitoring of MMDA interventions related to nutrition and resilience, and (c) Direct Community Monitoring of MMDA nutrition and resilience /agricultural projects and campaigns in districts within your region;
• Ensure gender-sensitive and Inclusive M & E in the region by monitoring the needs of women and men, children, and adults, the aged, people with disability, and excluded in Capital Projects;
• Ensure projects document outputs of field processes, significant accomplishments, and lessons learned to inform impact measurement 
• Disseminate M&E results and information to staff at the community, district, regional, and head office as well as partners and project beneficiaries.
• Provide specific data to staff and clients upon request
• Participate in forums to share program-based information with stakeholders at the district and region
• Develop quarterly impact measurement reports to keep clients informed on program activities and performance
• Assist in the development of audiovisual documentation
• Regional M&E specialists will review and submit data to the online database.

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree + Nine years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + Seven years of relevant experience, or PhD + Four years of relevant experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Agriculture Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience in DHIS2, ODK, and Kobo will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in designing M&E systems and conducting evaluations.
• At least five (5) years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, results-based management;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills in drafting concept notes and reports.
• Understanding and knowledge of basic computer applications such as MS Word, Excel and
• database management.
• Experience working within Development agencies preferably in the government system
• Experience supporting the implementation of USAID activities. 
• Experience working directly with community-level organizations, whether domestic or international. 
• Demonstrated facility with research approaches and presentation styles that engage and empower non-technical stakeholders, from policymakers to communities. 
• Demonstrated experience with a range of research and evaluation approaches, which may include qualitative data collection and analysis, experimental and/or quasi-experimental methods, statistically representative sampling/surveys, social network analysis, and mixed methods approaches.